Families of two kidnapped Haitian journalists plead for information

The families of two Haitian journalists kidnapped last week in the capital appealed Monday for updates, saying they have received no information about the reporters’ condition since they were taken in a gang-controlled part of Port-au-Prince.

Radio Uni FM said Osnel Espérance, who works at the station, and Junior Célestin of Radio Télévision Megastar were reporting in downtown Port-au-Prince on Friday when they were taken. Radio Uni FM described the area as largely controlled by Viv Ansanm, a powerful gang coalition, and said Viv Ansanm is designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization.

In a statement to reporters, Rosemanie Erneste, Espérance’s wife, said she has not heard from him since Friday. She pleaded for transparency about his fate, telling reporters, “I am asking, if he is dead, don’t hide it from me,” and adding, “If he is alive, let me know.”

Erneste also appealed directly to the government, saying it should act. She said, “There are a lot of victims,” referring to gang violence, and said it was “It’s time for this to end.” She then addressed Viv Ansanm, saying, “I am asking for grace. Let him go, please.”

Jocelyn Perez, the executive director of Radio Uni FM, joined the families in asking for information about the two journalists during a Monday broadcast. Perez said, “We need to know if you are alive,” and asked what steps should be taken “If they are alive,” describing the need for clarity on the next actions.

Perez also called on international human rights organizations to help. She said journalists are not combatants, adding: “Journalists are not actors in the conflict, but messengers serving the population.”

William O’Neill, the U.N. expert on human rights in Haiti, told reporters Monday that journalists and human rights defenders face severe danger. He said the groups are “under great risk,” adding that human rights organizations, journalists’ groups and others are trying to obtain information about the two journalists who were kidnapped.

The United States has described Viv Ansanm as controlling much of Haiti’s capital, and U.S. designations and reporting have pointed to the coalition’s reach across Port-au-Prince as well as parts of the country’s central region. At least nine journalists were killed in Haiti in 2022, AP reported, calling it the deadliest year for Haitian journalism in recent history.